Nvidia Is Thriving, While These Dividend ETFs Are Outperforming.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy XOM?
Source: Barron's
Market Rally: The market rally is expanding beyond just tech stocks, indicating a broader recovery.
Dividend-Paying Stocks: Companies like Exxon Mobil, Walmart, Ford, and Coca-Cola are outperforming traditional tech favorites.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy XOM?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on XOM
Wall Street analysts forecast XOM stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 154.220
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 154.220
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an energy provider and chemical manufacturer. The Company’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; the manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima systems, carbon materials, and lithium. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments manufacture and sell petroleum products and petrochemicals. Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. Chemical Products segment consists of olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. Specialty Products segment includes finished lubricants, basestocks and waxes, synthetics, and elastomers and resins.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
U.S. Treasury Yields Rise as Investors Monitor Middle East Conflict
- Rising Treasury Yields: As of 6:37 a.m. ET, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield increased by over 2 basis points to 4.084%, while the 30-year yield also rose by 2 basis points to 4.732%, indicating heightened market focus on upcoming economic data.
- Short-Term Bond Fluctuations: The 2-year Treasury yield also climbed 2 basis points to 3.52%, reflecting investor caution regarding short-term economic outlook amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
- Middle East Tensions Impact: The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has investors worried about a potential spike in oil prices leading to inflation, although President Trump’s announcement of risk insurance for maritime trade in the Persian Gulf aims to alleviate market fears.
- Economic Data Expectations: Investors are closely watching the upcoming ADP private payroll report, with forecasts predicting an addition of 48,000 jobs in February, a significant increase from January's 22,000, which could bolster confidence in economic recovery.
See More
U.S. Treasury Secretary Announces Measures to Stabilize Oil Shipments
- Oil Shipment Stabilization: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, indicating the government's readiness to intervene amid geopolitical tensions to ensure the safety of this critical energy corridor.
- Insurance Support: The U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, a move designed to mitigate transportation risks arising from escalating conflicts with Iran, thereby safeguarding maritime trade.
- Price Volatility: U.S. crude prices surged 11% this week to $74.62 per barrel, with a total gain of 30% in 2026, as fears mount that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push prices above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed.
- Market Supply Stability: Bessent emphasized that despite rising tensions in the Middle East, oil markets are well supplied, and the U.S. is in a stronger position than during the early stages of the Ukraine war, citing record domestic oil and natural gas production and its growing role as a major exporter.
See More
Occidental and Chevron Shares Decline as Iranian Officials Reach Out to U.S., According to Reports.
- Energy Stocks Decline: Energy stocks experienced a drop early Wednesday due to market reactions to geopolitical developments.
- Iran-U.S. Communication: A report indicated that Iranian intelligence officials reached out to their American counterparts to discuss potential terms for ending ongoing conflicts.
See More
Goldman Sachs CEO Discusses Iran War Impact on Markets
- Benign Market Reaction: Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon remarked at the World Economic Forum that the financial markets have shown a surprisingly benign reaction to the ongoing Iran war, which has entered its fifth day, indicating that investor concerns may be less severe than anticipated.
- Increased Stock Volatility: U.S. stock markets have experienced heightened volatility, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.83%, the S&P 500 slipping 0.94%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 1.02% on Tuesday, reflecting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Rising Treasury Yields: Contrary to typical safe-haven behavior, U.S. Treasury yields are rising as investors worry about inflationary pressures from higher energy prices, leading to falling bond prices and increasing yields, which underscores the uncertainty surrounding future economic conditions.
- Oil Price Fluctuation Risks: International benchmark Brent crude futures rose 2.7% to $83.58 per barrel, with energy strategists warning that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices above $100 per barrel, further exacerbating global economic instability.
See More
Middle East Conflict Intensifies Challenges for Global Central Banks
- Oil Price Surge Impact: Following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, Brent crude prices rose 1.6% to $82.76 per barrel, marking the highest level since January 2025, which will exacerbate global inflationary pressures and compel central banks to reassess their interest rate strategies.
- Central Bank Policy Dilemma: As tensions in the Middle East escalate, the European Central Bank faces a 'genuine dilemma' where rising oil prices could push already sticky inflation higher while economic growth outlook weakens due to U.S. tariffs, prompting officials to respond cautiously to energy price fluctuations.
- Asian Economic Vulnerability: Goldman Sachs estimates that a six-week closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices jumping from $70 to $85, could raise regional inflation in Asia by about 0.7 percentage points, with the Philippines and Thailand being the most vulnerable, potentially leading to a pause in rate cuts by their central banks.
- Fiscal Policy to Combat Inflation: Nomura anticipates that Asian countries will utilize fiscal policy as the first line of defense against inflation, potentially implementing price controls and increased subsidies, but this could exacerbate existing fiscal budget deficits, creating a policy dilemma for governments.
See More
Energy Sector Thrives Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Surge in Oil Prices: The escalation of the U.S. and Israel's conflict with Iran has led to a nearly 30% increase in crude oil prices, making the energy sector the top-performing area this year and significantly boosting investor confidence in the sector.
- Strong Performance of Major Oil Companies: Due to geopolitical risks, stocks of large integrated oil companies like Chevron and Exxon Mobil have reached 52-week highs, demonstrating their robust competitiveness in the global oil and gas supply chain.
- Optimistic Outlook for TechnipFMC: As a leading manufacturer in the energy sector, TechnipFMC benefits from increased capital spending driven by rising oil prices, with its stock trading near a 52-week high and projected EPS growth of 14% this year, reaching $3.34 by 2027.
- Investor Shift to Energy: Amid heightened market volatility, investors are flocking to the energy sector for defensive investments, highlighting the relative safety and strong fundamentals of the industry in the current economic environment.
See More
U.S. Treasury Yields Rise as Investors Monitor Middle East Conflict
- Rising Treasury Yields: As of 6:37 a.m. ET, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield increased by over 2 basis points to 4.084%, while the 30-year yield also rose by 2 basis points to 4.732%, indicating heightened market focus on upcoming economic data.
- Short-Term Bond Fluctuations: The 2-year Treasury yield also climbed 2 basis points to 3.52%, reflecting investor caution regarding short-term economic outlook amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
- Middle East Tensions Impact: The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has investors worried about a potential spike in oil prices leading to inflation, although President Trump’s announcement of risk insurance for maritime trade in the Persian Gulf aims to alleviate market fears.
- Economic Data Expectations: Investors are closely watching the upcoming ADP private payroll report, with forecasts predicting an addition of 48,000 jobs in February, a significant increase from January's 22,000, which could bolster confidence in economic recovery.
See More
U.S. Treasury Secretary Announces Measures to Stabilize Oil Shipments
- Oil Shipment Stabilization: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, indicating the government's readiness to intervene amid geopolitical tensions to ensure the safety of this critical energy corridor.
- Insurance Support: The U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, a move designed to mitigate transportation risks arising from escalating conflicts with Iran, thereby safeguarding maritime trade.
- Price Volatility: U.S. crude prices surged 11% this week to $74.62 per barrel, with a total gain of 30% in 2026, as fears mount that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push prices above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed.
- Market Supply Stability: Bessent emphasized that despite rising tensions in the Middle East, oil markets are well supplied, and the U.S. is in a stronger position than during the early stages of the Ukraine war, citing record domestic oil and natural gas production and its growing role as a major exporter.
See More
Occidental and Chevron Shares Decline as Iranian Officials Reach Out to U.S., According to Reports.
- Energy Stocks Decline: Energy stocks experienced a drop early Wednesday due to market reactions to geopolitical developments.
- Iran-U.S. Communication: A report indicated that Iranian intelligence officials reached out to their American counterparts to discuss potential terms for ending ongoing conflicts.
See More
Goldman Sachs CEO Discusses Iran War Impact on Markets
- Benign Market Reaction: Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon remarked at the World Economic Forum that the financial markets have shown a surprisingly benign reaction to the ongoing Iran war, which has entered its fifth day, indicating that investor concerns may be less severe than anticipated.
- Increased Stock Volatility: U.S. stock markets have experienced heightened volatility, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.83%, the S&P 500 slipping 0.94%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 1.02% on Tuesday, reflecting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Rising Treasury Yields: Contrary to typical safe-haven behavior, U.S. Treasury yields are rising as investors worry about inflationary pressures from higher energy prices, leading to falling bond prices and increasing yields, which underscores the uncertainty surrounding future economic conditions.
- Oil Price Fluctuation Risks: International benchmark Brent crude futures rose 2.7% to $83.58 per barrel, with energy strategists warning that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices above $100 per barrel, further exacerbating global economic instability.
See More
Middle East Conflict Intensifies Challenges for Global Central Banks
- Oil Price Surge Impact: Following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, Brent crude prices rose 1.6% to $82.76 per barrel, marking the highest level since January 2025, which will exacerbate global inflationary pressures and compel central banks to reassess their interest rate strategies.
- Central Bank Policy Dilemma: As tensions in the Middle East escalate, the European Central Bank faces a 'genuine dilemma' where rising oil prices could push already sticky inflation higher while economic growth outlook weakens due to U.S. tariffs, prompting officials to respond cautiously to energy price fluctuations.
- Asian Economic Vulnerability: Goldman Sachs estimates that a six-week closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices jumping from $70 to $85, could raise regional inflation in Asia by about 0.7 percentage points, with the Philippines and Thailand being the most vulnerable, potentially leading to a pause in rate cuts by their central banks.
- Fiscal Policy to Combat Inflation: Nomura anticipates that Asian countries will utilize fiscal policy as the first line of defense against inflation, potentially implementing price controls and increased subsidies, but this could exacerbate existing fiscal budget deficits, creating a policy dilemma for governments.
See More
Energy Sector Thrives Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Surge in Oil Prices: The escalation of the U.S. and Israel's conflict with Iran has led to a nearly 30% increase in crude oil prices, making the energy sector the top-performing area this year and significantly boosting investor confidence in the sector.
- Strong Performance of Major Oil Companies: Due to geopolitical risks, stocks of large integrated oil companies like Chevron and Exxon Mobil have reached 52-week highs, demonstrating their robust competitiveness in the global oil and gas supply chain.
- Optimistic Outlook for TechnipFMC: As a leading manufacturer in the energy sector, TechnipFMC benefits from increased capital spending driven by rising oil prices, with its stock trading near a 52-week high and projected EPS growth of 14% this year, reaching $3.34 by 2027.
- Investor Shift to Energy: Amid heightened market volatility, investors are flocking to the energy sector for defensive investments, highlighting the relative safety and strong fundamentals of the industry in the current economic environment.
See More
